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10.19.2011

Real Madrid 4 - 0 O. Lyon (UCL Day 3)

Real Madrid's run in this season's Champions League is so far perfect, winning all three of their games. The Whites top Group D with a five-point cushion over Olympique Lyonnais and Ajax, and have a ticket to the Last 16 in their pocket.

Great performance by Real Madrid against Lyon

Mourinho made changes, using Benzema and Di Maria as starters. His team fiercely attacked while Olympique rarely ventured outside their box. Benzema scored the opener by finishing off a corner-kick served by Ozil that Cristiano Ronaldo had also managed to graze. Lyonnais advanced their lines and had more possession of the ball, but Casillas continued being a mere spectator. Using wide spaces left by the French, the Madridistas looked for a second strike and Ozil nearly scored from a free-kick just before half-time (40'), but the keeper cleared the ball.

The second half started with a goal. Marcelo served a long pass, a Lyonnais defender tripped, Benzema controlled the ball and assisted Khedira in the strike. The French side received an even harsher blow when Madrid scored yet again when Lloris pushed the ball into his own goal as he was nutmegged by an Ozil cross into the box (54').

One of Khedira's eyebrows was split in a struggle and Mourinho replaced him with Coentrao (60’). Kaka came on for Ozil five minutes later and the German received a standing ovation from the fans. Big as it was, it wasn't as resounding as the one received by Higuain as he came on for Benzema on the 71-minute mark. Real had more chances to score and Ramos eventually netted the final strike from a corner-kick.

Having practically secured a place in the Last 16, the Whites will now be able to be a little more relaxed as they prepare for the three league games that await them in under two weeks' time (against Malaga on Saturday, Villarreal on Wednesday, and Real Socieded the following Saturday).